Latest News

Boost for 24/7 domestic violence support in Clarence Valley

Women and children experiencing domestic violence in the Clarence Valley will have access to extra crisis accommodation and 24/7 support under a $1.24 million funding package announced last week. Welcoming the announcement, Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis said the funding boost meant local service provider, On Track Community Programs will establish new after-hours intakes, and provide additional support and accommodation options to help women and children escape dangerous situations in the home. “The Government is taking action to provide more support to domestic violence victims in the Clarence Valley with this extra funding. “The solution to combating domestic violence is not confined to government or to a single person. It a community-wide problem and will take a whole of community/government response to help victims and reduce the incidence of it occurring in our community. “Domestic violence is unacceptable but if we want to reduce incidences of it in our community then it is up to each and every one of us to speak out and say enough is enough,” Mr Gulaptis said. The funding was announced by Minister for Family and Community Services Brad Hazzard and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Pru Goward. Ms Goward said in addition to the $1 million funding being spent in Northern NSW over the next two years to provide 24/7 assistance and extra crisis accommodation, the Clarence Valley would receive additional funding of $240,000 for the Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program. The service will be provided by the Consortium of Neighbourhood Centres, led by the Mullumbimby and District neighbourhood centre. “For too long women and children have had to flee their homes. Under this program, women and children are assisted to stay safely in their home with practical supports including security systems while the perpetrator is removed,” Ms Goward said. The Clarence Valley will become one of 27 areas in NSW where SHLV is in operation. It also provides women with comprehensive risk assessments and case co-ordination. Mr Hazzard said the funding came on top of the $8.1 million the NSW Government was spending on homelessness services in Northern NSW. “Chris Gulaptis has been lobbying hard for more services like these to help women and children and I’m pleased we can deliver this funding boost,” Mr Hazzard said. Mr Hazzard said women fleeing domestic violence were also eligible for the rental subsidy, Start Safely, which will help about 3,500 families this year across NSW. Anyone in immediate danger from domestic violence should call 000. For support call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. For information on crisis accommodation call Link2home on 1800 152 152.